Quote: So every tattoo is more or less a story right? I'm not really good with tattoo history, I'm more of a newbie fan, just getting into it.

not every tattoo, but in japanese tattooing certain images have certain meanings. for example a dragon can symbolise wealth, or protection from fire, whilst a carp symbolises strength and protection in general. Oni (demons) are traditionaly associated with jealousy.cherry blossoms with the fleeting nature of existence. tortoise with longevity, but can also be used in regard to sexual symbolism. When you see those awesome all covering japanese body pieces, sometimes they are an amalgamation of symbolism that is personal to the 'wearer', and sometimes they are graphical representations of japanese folk lore stories, the theme of which is of significance to the 'wearer'.Its the same with polynesian tattoo work- the placement and designs used have different meaning, and some relate to lineage and family, so get expanded on with time.Even western tattoos can have meaning. Swallows are linked with sailors as 'a swallows flight' is an old nautical measurement of distance. Depictions of the crucifiction on the back and chest were a common way for sailors to avoid flogging, as it would be sacrelidge to damage the image of christ.

Thats not to say there is no validity to getting ink based purely on the fact that you love the image, and it means something to you, but its always better to know a bit about something that will change your body for life IMO.

Taison, good advice so far, do alot of research and soul searching before you get inked, one book I highly recommend for "newbies" as you mentioned to the tattoo world is "The Tattoo Encyclopedia" by Greg James. It's a general guide to the meaning and history of lot's of tattoo's here's the book http://www.amazon.com/Tattoo-Encyclopedi...TF8&s=books

And you mention japanese work, you might enjoy this site, it's one of my favorites, some of the japanese meanings are explained and the artwork is done by Horiyoshi-3 One of the best and most well known japanese tattoo artists in the world.

I'm going for something like this. Hopefully, they'll be able to make it a white tiger. Not the same design, but similar.

That site is fascinating. I like irezumi, it's awesome.

I've always considered myself a white-tiger. It's a play on the word "White Thai". Thais worship tigers and identifies themselves with tigers. Me being half-caucasian, which thus makes me a "white tiger".

-Taison out

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I got two fists.. Don't make me use my head as well!

Just understand that white is the hardest color to do. They have to grind it in several times over to keep your natural skin color from showing through. Very painful, from what I'm told. (all of mine are black ink only)

I'd love to get one but I'm really afraid of not getting a job since there's this rumour they'll deny due to these pieces of artwork

It obviously depends on what they want to look at (and able to see, without a full strip) during the job interview. If you are thinking of joining the Yakuza, it is a distinct advantage.

I dislike tattoos and feel that it shows a character flaw in a person. Just my own prejudices & hang-ups. Since it will be very unlikely that you'll be interviewed by me for a job, well, do what you like with your body or parts thereof.

Soon as possible I'm getting a nice big yin-yang symbol somewhere, either upper arm, or maybe the back, and possibly with the Tiger on one Side and dRagon o nthe other. The yin-yang has a huge amount of philosophical significance to me and The Japanese Tiger (my nickname is The Tiger however the Bear would be almsot a better fit but oh well I'm known for the Tiger now and it still fits) and Dragon represent some of my qualities and some qualities that I am always trying to develope better. they are the perfect combination to me. However I'm not totally sure on that yet for the animal symbols too.When I go into the Marine Corps I'm getting the insignia on one upper arm as well with the American and USMC flags by each other, Semper Fidelis under or on part of thee banner on the insignia, and USMC on some part.

Zombie-those tattos are so friggin awesome. Any story behind them?

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Member of DaJoGen MMA school under Dave Hagen and Team Chaos fight team under Denver Mangiyatan and Chris Toquero, ran out of Zanshin Martial Arts in Salem Oregon: http://www.zanshinarts.org/Home.aspx,